The Kingswood Oxford varsity field hockey team, led by Captains Ashley Buckinghan and Emma Barringer, looks to build off their early season success as they head into the final stretch.
After suffering a tough loss against Loomis Chaffee on Sept. 27, the team bounced back with a 1-0 win against St. Luke’s on Oct. 6. After a scoreless first half, the team was able to capitalize on a penalty corner with a goal scored by sophomore midfielder Kate Dempsey-Weiner. Head Coach Nicole Baratz also highlighted the efforts of junior goalkeeper Stella Zimmer, who had numerous saves and held St. Luke’s scoreless. Overall, the win was a team effort.
Next, the team headed to an away game at Kent School on Oct. 11. It was a tough matchup against a formidable opponent, which ended with the Wyverns losing 6-0. However, the Wyverns gave 100% effort. “Everyone puts all of their effort in every game regardless of the score,” Barringer said. Next, they suffered another tough 6-0 loss to Pomfret on Oct. 14. It was a well-fought game throughout as the team held tough until the very end.
The main goals of the team this year were to bond as a group and improve throughout the season. “Our goals are for everyone to gain field hockey skills and gain confidence on and off the field,” Coach Baratz said. Furthermore, Assistant Coach Caitlin Moriarty highted an activity the team participated in where they each had to note something they appreciated or loved about someone else. “It really helped build the team chemistry on our team,” Coach Moriarty said. Coach Moriarty highlighted a play by Dempsey-Weiner during a game where she could have taken a shot herself but instead passed the ball and let another member score.
The team bounced back with a dominant 6-0 win against Wilbraham and Monson Academy on Wednesday, Oct. 18. It was an overall team effort. Many athletes scored their first goals in this game. Junior Ella Wilson led the Wyverns, scoring two goals. Barringer, Dempsey-Weiner, freshman Taylor Benavides, and junior Camryn Weinstein all scored one goal each as well. The win was an overall culmination of grit and teamwork.
The team played their Hewett day game against Westminster School on Oct. 21. The team knew Westminster would be a tough opponent, historically having a strong team. The Wyverns fought hard but suffered a defeat to Westminster 6-0.
Then, the team entered a stretch of three games in just six days. However, their game against Hamden Hall was canceled. The second was a home game on Thursday, Oct. 26, against Greenwich Country Day School. This game was also the pink game in support of breast cancer awareness, with the team decked out in pink shirts and socks. The team suffered a hard loss 4-1, yet they looked to bounce back in order to prepare for their next game. Their final game of the week was on Saturday, Oct. 28 at home against Fredrick Gunn school.
The varsity field hockey team will celebrate their senior day on Nov. 4, where they will honor their captains and seniors Hana Haxhaj and Avery Hersh. The team looks forward to improving as they enter the final part of their season and building on their record.
